Building firm lands local homes deal

Artist's impression of the part of the new development at Scarborough Road, Bilsthorpe. Image courtesy of SCA Architects

Local construction firm Robert Woodhead Limited will officially break ground on a new housing develoopment site on Scarborough Road, Bilsthorpethis month.

The news comes after the local firm was awarded the £2.1m building contract earlier this month, to deliver 25 two-bedroom bungalows for people aged 55 years or above.

It follows the successful partnership bid by Newark and Sherwood Homes and Newark and Sherwood District Council for Department of Health funding through the Homes and Communities Agency’s Specialised Housing Care and Support Fund.

The new homes will are designed to sit well in the existing community and help Newark and Sherwood Homes and Newark and Sherwood District Council meet a growing demand for bungalows in the area.

Each of the properties will be designed to meet the needs of the local community. These include:

l Windows at the right height to see out of when you’re seated

l Lifeline

l Easy access to kitchen windows for opening

l Level-access showers

All properties will be built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, meeting high standards on energy and CO2 emissions, water usage, locally sourced materials, recycling waste, daylight and good insulation.

The properties will have the benefit of Air Source Heat Pumps to reduce tenant’s utility costs and will also meet the Lifetime Homes and HAPPI criteria, making them cost-effective and flexible for new tenants to live in if their needs increase over time.

The development will be built near to the existing Burton Court Community Centre, which already serves the needs of existing local residents.

Alistair Taylor, Team Leader of Woodhead Living, the specialist sustainability team delivering the project, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded the contract for the Scarborough Road site.

“We know how important bungalows are to meet the local need, and appreciate what these properties will be able to offer people in the area.

“It’s fantastic to have such a local project for us. Our head office is only five miles away from the site, and we will be using a local supply chain to help us deliver the project.

“It will also give us an opportunity to work with local schools and colleges to offer visits during the works. As a direct result of the project we have already been able to take on one apprentice from Dukeries College who will shadow the Site Manager.

“Just last week, together with the project architects, SGA Architecture, and Newark and Sherwood Homes we met with members of the local community to discuss our plans and answer any questions they had about the scheme. It was great to meet the local residents who we will be working closely with for the duration of the project.”

Rebecca Rance, Chief Executive of Newark and Sherwood Homes, said: “We are really excited about this new scheme that will bring much needed homes for older people into the area.

It will also help to reduce the housing waiting list in the district.”

The properties will be due for completion in winter 2015 and let at Affordable Rent, which is 80% of market rent. If you are interested in renting one of these properties please contact Newark and Sherwood Homes on 0845 258 5550.